Here in the Springfield, Missouri area, we face more than just a little summer heat. From May through September, soaring temperatures and high humidity make it tough (and expensive) to keep our homes cool. None of that is a surprise. What you may not know is that you may have some common habits that make your air conditioner work harder than necessary, leading to higher energy bills. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of some things to avoid if you want to stay cool this summer.
1. Neglecting your HVAC system. If you want your AC to be there when you need it, regular maintenance is crucial and helps to prevent the need for air conditioning repair. The simple fact is that your HVAC system, like any other complex machine, needs regular TLC to continue operating at peak efficiency. You don’t have to remember to call for seasonal HVAC service in Springfield every time the weather starts to change, however. Instead, you can get on a regular maintenance plan such as the Total Comfort VIP Maintenance Plan from ATS so it’s hassle-free!
2. Using the oven and the stove to cook a big dinner. Although dining out in restaurants or picking up food to go on a hot summer day can help keep the temperature in your kitchen in check, it can also get expensive. Try some creative alternatives such as grilling outdoors, using the microwave, or crafting meals that don’t require heating. If you do need to cook, try cooking first thing in the morning or well in advance of the hottest part of the day.
3. Leaving lights, TVs, and computers on all day. Even the smallest electronics generate heat, so it’s a good idea to keep anything electronic off when it’s not in use. Even energy-efficient LED lightbulbs generate a small amount of heat, and having a bunch of them on at once can have an impact. Plus, keeping your electronics turned off when they’re not in use will help keep your utility bill lower overall.
4. Doing laundry during the hottest part of the day. It isn’t just the heat from the dryer, although that definitely has an impact. Like any other appliance, the washing machine generates heat, even if you wash your clothes in cool water, so running it during the hottest part of the day is not a great idea. As with cooking, your best bet is to try to do laundry during the cooler parts of the day so that you don’t heat up the house.
5. Taking hot showers during the day. Hey, we understand. Even on a hot summer day, a hot shower feels good. Unfortunately, that hot shower does more than add extra heat to the air; it also increases the humidity, which can make it harder for your AC unit to cool your home. Plus, taking a cooler shower has a number of other advantages. It actually lowers your body temperature, so it’s especially beneficial if you take a cool shower before you go to sleep.
Bonus Tip! During the summer, you want your ceiling fans to be turning counter-clockwise to push cool air down and create a nice breeze. If you haven’t already done so, make the switch now!
These are habits you’ll need to break if you want to stay cool and comfortable throughout the hot summer months, but the most important change you can make is remembering to have seasonal maintenance performed on your air conditioner by a licensed technician.
ATS Heating and Cooling is your trusted source for air conditioning repair in Springfield and the surrounding Ozarks. Thanks to our professionally trained technicians and a commitment to customer service, you can rest assured that your home will be comfortable and energy efficient. Call 417-831-5344 for hassle-free HVAC service in Springfield from the experienced service technicians at ATS Heating and Cooling!
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